The Best - Greece
Nicholas Kontaxis, the acclaimed Forbes-listed artist, heads to the Goulandris Museum in Pangrati
He thrives despite autism and epilepsy, with his works featured in the collections of Adele and Federer.
By Bakopoulou Andy
The Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation introduces us to the remarkable Greek-American visual artist Nicholas Kontaxis in his first-ever exhibition in Greece.
Titled “Catch Me”, the exhibition runs from March 18 to April 18, showcasing the explosive creations of a globally acclaimed talent who has triumphed over life’s challenges.
Nicholas Kontaxis has been featured on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list, alongside notable names like Hailey Bieber. His paintings are part of the private collections of Adele, Roger Federer, and even Adidas. His exhibitions in Los Angeles and London have sold out.
But what makes this young artist truly extraordinary? Nicholas is self-taught, and his work evokes comparisons to the work of Jackson Pollock. Born with a brain tumor and having endured severe physical and developmental challenges — including more than 75,000 epileptic seizures — he has turned to art as his sole means of expression. He creates large-scale paintings that communicate a universal message of resilience and inspiration.
At the heart of the exhibition, hosted in the Goulandris Gallery, stands his signature trampoline — once a rehabilitation tool, now transformed into a canvas. It symbolizes solidarity and renewal, inviting the public to see life through a new lens of courage and hope.
As Fleurette Karadonti, Chair of the Board of the Goulandris Foundation, emphasizes:
“The exhibition Catch Me highlights once again that art is a universal language. The work of Nicholas Kontaxis transcends boundaries and limitations, speaking directly to the viewer’s heart. This is not merely a painting exhibition; it is an ode to courage, creativity, and the unmatched power of perseverance.”
Equally moving is the statement by the artist’s mother and representative, Krisann Kontaxis, who is currently in Athens for the exhibition:
“Catch Me is Nicholas’s dream to share his art with Greece, the land of his ancestors. It is our invitation to the public to join hands and see how creativity can become a refuge, a source of hope, and a way of life.
Nicholas may not speak with words, but through his artworks, he says what words often fail to express.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a recreation of Nicholas’s original studio and take part in interactive workshops that use materials and techniques inspired by his unique artistic process — including palette knives, coffee, and spices. These sessions offer a hands-on, immersive experience, bringing the audience into direct contact with the textures, tools, and spirit of his art.